Effect of Turkish-maths unity on students' solving problems in 7th and 8th grades in primary school

Language is an important element of Maths. One of the common problems that we encounter especially in the process of solving operations can be based on misunderstanding the question. This situation makes us think how Turkish skills, we need to use in mathematical operations, assists our process of solving problems. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Turkish-Maths unity in the process of solving problem on 7th and 8th grade students in primary schools. While reading, writing, listening and speaking skills are examined in Turkish part, process of solving operations are examined in maths part. It is thought failure especially in the process of solving verbal operations results from that students could not understand what they read, write, express or form a diagram.Illustration of our study includes a hundred 7th grades students and a hundred 8th grades students -200 students in total- from primary schools which are Yalçın Çiftçioğlu primary school, Dr. Sadık Ahmet primary school, Fatih College and Akademi College in Büyükçekmece/İstanbul. We have carried out a test to these students including 20 questions that evaluates Turkish- Maths unity. Reading, listening, writing and speaking; Turkish skills assessment forms are evaluated with the help of Turkish teachers.In the scope of this research, qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used. As a method of data collection, clinical interview method is used in realization of the research. The data is collected through observation, interview and video recordings, which reflects students' problem-solving skills. Quantitative dimention of the research is formed by scores obtained from problem test including equations and Turkish Skills assessment forms. Quantitative data analysis of research are made by using PASW statistics 18 package program.Research is resulted by a positive correlation between Turkish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and mathematics problem solving skills. According to the results, for 7th grade students, the relation between math score and reading skills is much stronger than others. On the other hand, for 8th grade students, the relation between math score and listening skills is much stronger than the others.In the light of this study, it is understood that language skills gained in Turkish lessons is related with the the process of problem solving; so that these skills must be addressed in Turkish lessons carefully. For this purpose, it is thought that mathematical reading, writing, speaking or listening activities will contribute students? problem solving skills.Key Words: Turkish Skills, Problem Solving Skills